Conference

Implementation of the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities and the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages in Serbia

Monitoring Results and Recommendations with Special Emphasis on Education and Effective Participation of Minorities in Public LifeNovi Sad, Assembly of the AP Vojvodina, Saturday 28th November 2009

Serbia undertook under the Council of Europe’s Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities and the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages to protect your minority and promote its language.

The Council of Europe monitors implementation of both conventions and drafts every three years (Language Charter) and every five years (Framework Convention) monitoring reports containing various recommendations. The recommendations contained in the first report on the implementation of the Language Charter and in the second Opinion on the implementation of the Framework Convention call on Serbia to take concrete measures to improve the political, legal or practical situation of your national minority. On the basis of both documents, the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe (47 Ministers of Foreign Affairs) has addressed additional general recommendations to the state. The Council of Europe cannot implement the recommendations; only the state and minorities can do this together through dialogue and careful examination of the actual needs. In order to improve that proccess the Vojvodina Centre for Human Rights and the Council of Europe organized the Conference “Implementation of the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities and the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages in Serbia - Monitoring Results and Recommendations with Special Emphasis on Education and Effective Participation of Minorities in Public Life” on Saturday, 28th November 2009 in Novi Sad, Voivodina Assembly (big hall).

Recommendation of the National Councils of National Minorities became part of a final declaration which was sent to state bodies, institutions, national and international NGOs to whom it concerns.